Mount Teide is the highest mountain in Spain, at 3,715 metres, and the heart of Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Growing up in Tenerife, Teide is always there on the horizon. Visiting it is the one thing every visitor should do, but the rules for reaching the summit have changed, so here is how it works now.
Quick answer: you can drive into the national park and see the landscape for free. The cable car takes you most of the way up, to La Rambleta at around 3,550 metres. To walk the last section to the summit you need a permit booked in advance on the official Tenerife ON platform, and non-residents now pay an eco-fee. Book early, because places are limited.
Three ways to visit Teide
| Option | How high | What you need | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive through the park | Around 2,000–2,400 m | A car or a tour | Everyone, views, short walks |
| Cable car to La Rambleta | Around 3,550 m | A cable car ticket | Huge views without a hard hike |
| Summit (Telesforo Bravo trail) | 3,715 m | Cable car or hike, plus a summit permit | Standing on the top of Spain |
Getting to the national park
Four roads climb into the park: from La Orotava in the north, from La Laguna through the forest of La Esperanza, from Vilaflor in the south and from Chío in the west. All of them are winding mountain roads with spectacular views, so allow plenty of time and fill up with fuel before you start. Read my tips on renting a car and driving mountain roads.
Local tip: go up one road and come down another. Going up from the north through La Orotava and down to the south through Vilaflor shows you completely different landscapes in one day.
The best stops inside the park
- Roques de García: strange rock formations with Teide behind them. There is an easy circular walk of about an hour.
- Llano de Ucanca: a wide volcanic plain right next to the Roques, one of the classic views of the park.
- The viewpoints along the road: lava flows, coloured volcanic sand and, on clear days, the other islands floating on the sea of clouds.
- Sunset and stars: the park is one of the best places in Europe to watch the sunset above the clouds and, afterwards, the night sky.
The Teide cable car
The cable car climbs from the base station at around 2,350 metres to La Rambleta in about eight minutes. From the top station there are two short viewpoint trails that do not need a summit permit, with views over the crater of Pico Viejo and, on clear days, La Gomera, La Palma and Gran Canaria.
- Buy tickets online in advance, especially in high season.
- The cable car closes when the wind is strong or there is ice, sometimes at short notice. Check its status on the morning of your visit.
- A cable car ticket does not include access to the summit.
The summit permit and the new rules
The last stretch from La Rambleta to the crater rim, the Telesforo Bravo trail, is protected and has a daily limit of visitors. The main hiking routes up the mountain, such as Montaña Blanca, are now controlled too.
- Where to book: on the official Tenerife ON platform of the Cabildo de Tenerife. Only book there; permits from other sites are not valid.
- Eco-fee: since 2026 non-resident adults pay a conservation fee when booking. Children and Tenerife residents are exempt or pay less.
- Time slots: your permit is for a specific day and time. Arrive on time, because you cannot change it on the day.
- Book early: permits are released in advance and popular dates sell out quickly.
- Checks: rangers check permits and can also check that you have proper footwear, warm clothes and water. Hiking without a permit can lead to a large fine.
Good to know: fees, slots and rules can change. Always check the latest information on Tenerife ON before you plan your day.
What to wear and how to stay safe
- It is cold up there: it can be warm on the beach and close to freezing at the top, and in winter there can be snow and ice. Bring a warm jacket, long trousers, a hat and gloves.
- Altitude: the air is thin above 3,000 metres. Walk slowly, drink water and go back down if you feel dizzy, sick or have a strong headache. People with heart or breathing problems, pregnant women and very young children should check the cable car’s health advice before going up.
- Sun: the sun is very strong at altitude. Use sun cream and sunglasses.
- Weather alerts: trails can be closed because of wind, snow or ice, even if you have a permit.
When to go
Teide can be visited all year. Mornings are usually clearest and calmest, which is the best time for the cable car. Winter can bring snow, which looks amazing but can close roads and trails. For more on the seasons, read the best time to visit the Canary Islands.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to visit Teide?
Not to drive into the national park or to ride the cable car. You do need a permit to walk the final trail to the summit, and for some of the main hiking routes up the mountain.
How long does a visit to Teide take?
Plan at least half a day to drive up, stop at the viewpoints and ride the cable car. A full day lets you add a walk around the Roques de García and a slow drive down the other side of the island.
Can children go up Teide?
Children can visit the national park and the viewpoints. For the cable car and the summit, check the operator’s age and health advice, because the altitude affects small children more.
Rules, prices and permits for Teide National Park change. Check the official Tenerife ON platform and the cable car operator before you go.
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